What is an admission agreement?
An admission agreement is a legal document between the care home and you, the resident (or your representative). It sets out the responsibilities of both parties, the type of care being provided, and the terms of residency. This includes financial details, services included in your care, and any optional extras you may wish to consider.
What the agreement covers
To help you feel more prepared, here’s an overview of what is typically included in a Bupa care home admission agreement:
- Level of care to be provided, based on your assessed needs
- Cost of care, including the daily care charges and any premium accommodation charges
- What’s included in your standard care, such as meals, nursing support, personal care, and activities
- Optional extras such as hairdressing, dry cleaning, non-Pharmac funded medication, premium room options, or specialist therapies
- Responsibilities of the care home, including the services to be provided, respect for rights and privacy, and access to medical services
- Responsibilities of the resident or their representative, including payment of fees, keeping personal details up to date, participating in care planning, and notifying of changes in circumstances
At Bupa, we do our best to ensure the admission agreement is as clear and easy to understand as possible. If there’s anything you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask. The care home team is there to help, and you can also speak with a support person, lawyer, or aged care advocate if you need extra guidance.
What to discuss before you sign
Before signing the agreement, you are encouraged to ask questions and talk through the details with the care home team. They are there to help and will be happy to explain what each part means and how it applies to your situation.
Some common questions to ask include:
- What are the daily and weekly care fees, and how are they calculated?
- What services are included, and which will incur additional costs?
- What happens if my needs change over time?
- How do payments work, and what are the options for covering costs?
- Can I personalise my room or bring furniture with me?
Many of these answers can be found in our frequently asked questions, but talking about them with the care home general manager at your chosen care home can help to offer extra peace of mind and confidence before you sign.
It’s perfectly okay to take the agreement away and review it with a trusted family member or adviser before signing. The care home general manager will inform you when you need to return the signed agreement in order to proceed with admission.
You can find further guidance on what to expect in an admission agreement on the New Zealand Government website.
Signing an admission agreement is a key milestone in your care home journey. With clarity around your rights, responsibilities and costs, you can take the next step with confidence.
Next step: Exploring your eligibility for a subsidy
Once you’ve signed your care home admission agreement, the next step is to explore whether you’re eligible for a Residential Care Subsidy to help with the cost of your care. This government support can make a meaningful difference in how your care is funded. In the next section, we’ll guide you through how the subsidy works, who can apply, and how to get started with the application process.
